Acting in Hollywood

Working in Hollywood seems different than anywhere else in the country. Acting in Hollywood seems even more dynamic. Having grown up in Hollywood and working and teaching and coaching in New York, Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco and Hollywood, I have a perspective on what is different. And to tell you the truth, it isn’t that different. All work requires the acting 101 skill set, all work anywhere is looking for the best talent for the job that they can find. Casting an actor in any city requires the audition and interview and a look at the talent, so a choice can be made. So in many ways it is the same. What is different in Hollywood is that no matter where the actor comes from or what their training, in Hollywood they all know somehow what it is that is being cast and the talent is willing to forsake who they are intrinsically in order to be whatever or whomever they “know” they are casting. This is of course a myth, which is highly perpetrated by the casting people, the studios, and actors themselves. Actually anyone you talk to in Hollywood. “They Know”. This myth is perpetrated to the point that astounds me. I have cast a few projects, and have worked both sides of the camera, and the real truth is they are looking for an actor that knows the job and how to do it. Incredible talent is not required, just watch T.V. Do you know what your job as an actor really is? So do your job and the casting will take care of itself, no matter which city you live in. Today’s world is remarkable because you can actually live anywhere and be cast and still work in Canada. Hollywood Actors need to do their job like everyone else. Chances are you will be working in Winnemucca Nevada when you are cast. Commit to doing your job. That is what makes the difference.